EVL 549E - 1967 Leyland Panther

C Roe DP45F body

Lincoln Corporation No. 41

New to Lincoln Corporation in 1967, this was the City's first 'Panther' and the only one of the 25 to have coach style seats rather than 49 bus seats. Minor modifications to allow one-man operation were made in 1968, with 'Autofare' equipment (fare box and ticket dispenser) being added after the system was adopted in 1972.

The photograph on the right shows No. 41 in service in Lincoln City Bus Station in the company of Bristol RE, No. 73 which is also now part of our collection.

Withdrawn by Lincoln City Transport in 1981, this vehicle was sold to Messrs Cross of Hibaldstow for use on contract services before passing for preservation. Restoration to original condition is under way.

A Detailed summary of restoration work from 2000 - 2002 can be read here

October 2003 - Extensive work continues on the front end. A new door pillar has been made and fitted, and will be clad with aluminium shortly. The steel base-plate carrying the door gear has been cleaned and painted. It has been refitted to a new under-rail. The fibre glass windscreen pan has been repaired. A new aluminium panel is being prepared for the dashboard scuttle. A new replacement pivot-rod is to be made so that the fold-up doors can be refitted.

July 2004 - Work has recommenced on the door area with more new framing and interior aluminium panels being fitted.

October 2004 - Work continues on the reconstruction of the passenger door area, with new floor areas being prepared.

October 2005 - The new platform has been fitted with new lino and the renovated doors will be back on shortly. The area has also received a top coat of gloss - the usual Roe "mushroom soup" colour.

The doors have subsequently been re-fitted.

April 2007 - interior work was halted this spring due to a nesting blackbird in the luggage racks - we are not sure if this is the same blackbird who took up residence in Lincoln 73 a few years ago!

October 2008 - New framing has been sourced for the n/s lower part of the bodywork. Extensive work is being carried out on the near side. This requires replacement of the wide skirt rail and also the angle iron floor rail. An aluminium floor rail has been fitted in an attempt to prevent any further decomposition by electrolysis of the interior alloy panels.

Some of the ceiling panels are being taken down to allow a longitudinal roof rib to be inserted. This will hopefully reduce the 'bellying' that the Panther 'Roe' bodies were prone to.

This vehicle is currently in the Museum Yard and is not on regular public display.

LINKS Leyland Society Lincoln Corporation Transport - Book